by Rachel Hale, Sarem Rashid, and Niharika Kareddy
Click here to listen to some Arabic rap music!
Throughout the time of the Earth, Egypt has proven to play an important part in the shaping of our history. Containing a rich culture, unique people, and the great pyramids, Egypt is the largest country in the Arab world. Today, it plays a main role in Middle Eastern politics and has one of the biggest economies in the Middle East right after Saudi Arabia. The recent revolutions, however, have created a center for news and current events about the government and people. By producing some of the world's best cotton, tourist destinations, and advances in math, science, and our knowledge of history, the country has opened the eyes of people across the globe. Even through its troubled times, it's extensive and amazing history has created, today, the great country of Egypt.
Around one year ago, revolutions broke out in Egypt against President Mubarak. After getting re-elected a numerous amount of times, the people started to get angry, thinking that these elections were rigged and they were not happy. Mubarak also had created bans on many items, such as cellphones and internet, and changed many of the citizens rights for both women and men. As a result, the people of Egypt had decided to revolt against the president, and after a few months of protesting the Egyptians were successful and had overthrown Mubarak. In January of 2012, the people were celebrating in Tahrir Square, the main spot for the protesters, about the changes they brought and also how there is room for more change. Article 1: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2105621,00.html
This article focused on the revolution, one year after it took place, and showing the results and perspectives of the people. The public was generally split between people who believed that the revolution needed to be reinvigorated and people who are celebrating the revolution, one year after the eruption for democracy. The people who wanted to revisit the revolution thought that the true potential of change was not reached and that more reforms for the common people could be made. They also believed that the idea of the regime still in tact and needed to be removed even after the removal of President Mubarak. After a year of peace and some "change", the military is now trying to assert its power on the people and has claimed itself to be the paramount power in Egypt as it helped the people during their time of need to remove Mubarak from power. People against the idea of power to the military say that about 12000 people were detained by the military and during Mubarak's 30 year regime. Anti-military activists use the fact that not a single Egyptian senior officer has been charged for such heinous crimes against society. Mubarak has neither been imprisoned or charged because of the fact that people who were appointed by him still remain in power. But signs of hope are evident in the country since many major changes have brought freedom to society and the average man.
This overhead picture of Tahiri Square shows the commotion before (to protest) and after (to celebrate).
This political cartoon portrays the unhappiness and the eagerness of the people to end Mubarak's rule and possibly his life.
The article above focuses on the economic struggle that Egypt is facing. Due to the recent revolutions, the tourism throughout Egypt has gone down quite a bit. Along with that, their cotton industry is heading towards a potentially problematic state. One of their biggest cotton companies, the "Cotton Cairo Company", hasn't been using Egyptian cotton, instead they have been importing the cotton from India. The land redistribution for the farmers has also left them with smaller land shares and less cotton to sell. However, the cotton and revolutions are not the only cause for this problem. The government plays a large role in the economy, for after promised reforms were not made and the owners of the companies are allowed to have workers that are often not paid and treated horribly. These events all add up to the chaotic state of government and are causing this economic problem.
This is an blatant example of police attacking innocent people for protesting.
This picture shows the happiness of the people after Mubarak resigned and the thought that they thought Mubarak was just a puppet and was used to get to the people of Egypt.
Egyptian cotton is known worldwide as some of the best cotton there is, however the recent problems in the industry are helping to lead the country's economy in the wrong direction
20th Century Problems:
Women's Rights were a major problem in Egypt for the last 200 years first recognized in the 20th century and resulted in major protests and promised reforms.
During the 20th century women's rights were shown to be a very large issue. Women began to realize their lack of rights in the late 19th century, and in the early 20th century it started to appear as a problem. By the mid 1900's, feminism began to become a strong political movement. In the beginning of the 20th century, some women were allowed to study subjects they wished while others were even allowed to speak at educational lectures. However, in the 1950's after a revolution, the feminism activis ts were silenced when the government began to focus on other things. In the 1970's the movement started to pick up again and become an even bigger force than before. There were many women who had published books to better help other women better their every day lives. A pamphlet called, "Legal Rights of the Egyptian Woman: Theory and Practice" was published in 1988 by a woman's activist group, and explained the different rights that women should have and how to achieve their goals of getting them. By the end of the 20th century, these activists have created jobs, schools, and a more equal society in Egypt. Their fight to create a totally equal life still continues today in the 21st century and is a major problem for the Egyptians that has yet to be solved.
21st Century Problems:
The problems of the 21st century circled around the government and social problems. In 2005, the first outbreaks of pro-reform and opposition activists initiate anti-government demonstrations. Also, a referendum vote allowed multiple people to stand in presidential elections. Although this amendment did come into play, President Mubarak was elected for a fifth consecutive term in September 2005. In December, problems between police and supporters of the Muslim brotherhood emerge. The National Democratic Party regain their majority in the house and the Muslim Brotherhood hold only 20% of the seats which created major divides in the country itself (Many deaths due to police break ups at protests). In 2006, Mubarak promised reforms in his address but his opposition remained skeptical over these sudden promises for change. Also in 2008, Military c
The struggle for revolution came in many forms to the people of Egypt. From the violent protests resulting in a mass amount of death to the economic decline, the average man in Egypt was suffering and fighting for what is right.
ourts sentenced 25 leading Muslim Brotherhood to jail terms. Recently, many people, some innocent, were arrested and charged for having links with Al-Qaeda and plotting attacks on ships. Lastly, the Muslim Brotherhood failing to win any seats stirred up a lot of opposition and especially with the realization that the reforms originally promised to the people were never carried through. All of these events led to the core of the revolution of Egypt. In addition to government tension, other problems like the need for food imports or better harvest because of the increase in population, economic decline (financially) and other budget pressures (due to the billion dollar project they invested in and failure in increasing their exports and foreign relations).
Important People:
King Farouk I:
Reigned as the King of Egypt from 1936 to 1952.
Educated and thought ideals from England.
Losses against Israel in 1948 as well as internal rivalries led to the downfall of his reign.
The downfall of King Farouk resulted in a republic form of government.
Hassan Al-Banna:
Highly charismatic school teacher and preacher who promoted the strict following of Shari'ah and removal of "western ideals."
Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Sought to restore the caliphs of Islam following the decline of the original four caliphs.
Made an alliance with Hitler and Mussolini to combat British control in the Middle East.
Muslim Brotherhood:
Slogan:"God is our objective; the Quran is our constitution, the Prophet is our leader; Jihad is our way; and death for the sake of God is the highest of our aspirations."
Islamic extremists who wanted to bring back the Sharia and unify the Islamic and Arab states for unity.
They are against western colonization and helped overthrow western monarchs.
Often seemed to be mistaken with Al-Qaeda but was criticized by bin Laden for not understanding the true meaning of Jihad.
More of a movement than a political party although members of the movement have created independent parties which have gained a lot of support through the years
Major part of the Revolutions in 2011.
Hosni Mubarak:
Former president of Egypt
After the people revolted in 2011, President Mubarak was overthrown
Made many laws and reforms that the people didn't agree with which caused the revolution (chaos) but also changed the relationship between man and state.
Timeline:
Summary 1914 - Egypt becomes a British protectorate ( In 1922, Egyptian independence is recognized by UK) 1948 - 1949 - Arab leagues attack the new state of Israel and Egypt gains control of Gaza Strip. 1952 - Egypt is declared a republic. 1956 - The Suez Canal Company nationalized by Nasir; Israel, Britain and France attack the Sinai/ Suez Canal region. 1962 - Egyptian forces confront Saudi Arabia for the first time in order to get to Yemen to assist republican forces. 1967 - Nasir closed straits to Israeli shipping; Suez Canal closed off (reopened in 1975). 1970 - Nasir dies; Anwar Sadat becomes president (orders the removal of Soviet military advisers and visited Jerusalem in order to sign a peace treaty ) 1981 - Sadat assassinated; Mubarak was the successor. 1982 - Sinai Peninsula back under Egyptian control. 2000 - Egypt signed a billion dollar project with Lebanon and Syria. 2004 - Major bomb attacks. 2005 - Mubarak reelected for 5th consecutive term as president. 2006 - New nuclear programs and weapons were built in Egypt like other developing Arab countries. 2008 - 2009 - Internal issues within the country call for no unification eventually leading up to the revolution. 2009 - People were arrested for having links with Al-Qaeda. 2010 - START OF THE REVOLUTION WITH THE ANTI-MUBARAK PROTESTING. 2011 - Mubarak steps down and Egypt celebrates.
Primary Source:
Below is a translation of the letter Towards The Light written by Hassan Al-Banna of the Muslim Brotherhood to King Farouk. In this excerpt of his letter, Al-Banna shares his solutions to reviving the Shari'ah in Egypt and restoring the country to its former, utopian state:
Your Excellency, Having given a clear presentation of the spiritual sentiments that should prevail within the nation in its modern renaissance, we would like to point out, by way of conclusion, some of the practical manifestations and results which these sentiments should dictate. We are going to mention here only the broadest topics, since we are well aware that each one of these questions requires extensive, broad and detailed study, taxing the energies and capacities of even specialists. We know too that we have not yet fully analysed all the requirements and demands of the nation, nor all the manifestations of the renaissance. We do not believe that to fulfil these demands will be a simple matter which can be accomplished overnight, and we know there are manifold obstacles before us which will require vast patience, great wisdom, and a long running determination. We know all this and can take it in our stride. Besides this, we know that where there is genuine resolve, the way will be made plain, and that if a strong willed nation chooses the path of virtue, it shall, by the will of Allah Almighty, attain what it desires. Stride forward, and God will be with you ! Following, are the principal goals of reform founded on the spirit of genuine Islam: Political, judicial and administrative goals (1) An end to party rivalry, and directing the political forces of the nation into a unified front. (2) Amending the law, such that it conforms to all branches of Islamic legislation. (3) Reinforcing the armed forces, and increasing the number of youth groups; igniting in them the spirit of Islamic jihad. (4) Strengthening the ties between all the Islamic countries, especially the Arab countries, to pave the way for a practical and serious consideration concerning the departed Caliphate. (5) Spreading the Islamic spirit throughout all departments of the government, so that all its employees will feel responsible for adhering to Islamic teachings. (6) Keeping a close eye on the personal conduct of all its employees, there should not be any dichotomy between ones private and professional life. (7) Setting the hours of work in summer and winter ahead, so that it will be easy to fulfil religious duties, and bring an end to late hours. (8) An end to bribery and nepotism, promotion should only be given to those who have the capability and have a legitimate claim. (9) Weighing all governmental acts in view of Islamic rules and teachings, National holidays, receptions, official conferences, prisons and hospitals should all be compatible with the Islamic teachings; hours of work should be arranged such that they do not conflict with the Salah times. (10) The employment of graduates of Al-Azhar in military and administrative positions, and their training. Social and educational goals (1) Conditioning the people to respect public morality, and issuing law bound directives on this matter; the imposition of sever penalties for moral offences. (2) To deal with the ‘woman issue’ - In a way which will both elevate her position and provide her protection, in accordance with the Islamic teachings. So that this issue (socially the most important) is not left at the mercy of the biased pens and unorthodox notions of those who are either deficient or excessive.(in their opinions) (3) An end to prostitution, both clandestine and overt: and to recognise fornication as a crime, whatever the circumstances, a detestable crime whose perpetrator must be flogged. (4) An end to gambling in all its forms: games, lotteries, racing, and casinos. (5) A campaign against drinking, similar to the one against drugs: its prohibition, and the salvation of the nation from its effects. (6) A campaign against ostentation in dress and loose behaviour; the instruction of women in what is proper, with particular strictness as regards female teachers, pupils, physicians, and students, and all those in similar categories. (7) A review of the curricula offered to girls and the necessity of making them distinct from the boys' curricula in many of the stages of education. (8) The prohibition of Free Mixing between male and female students; and to consider privacy between a non-Mahram (marriageable) male and female a punishable crime. (9) The encouragement of marriage and procreation, by all possible means; promulgation of legislation to protect and give moral support to the family, and solve the problems of marriage. (10) The closure of morally undesirable ballrooms and dance halls, and the prohibition of dancing and other such pastimes. (11) The inspection of theatres and cinemas, and a rigorous selection of playscripts and film rolls. (12) The censorship of songs, and a rigorous selection and inspection of them. (13) The careful selection of lectures, songs, and subjects to be broadcast to the nation; the use of radio broadcasting for the education of the nation in a virtuous and moral way. (14) The confiscation of provocative stories and books that implant the seeds of scepticism in an insidious manner, and newspapers which strive to disseminate immorality and capitalise indecently on lustful desires. (15) The supervision of summer vacation areas which will bring an end to the wholesale confusion and promiscuity which nullify the soul purpose of going on holiday. (16) Restricting the business hours of cafes; supervising the activities of their owners; instructing them as to what is in the best interest of the public; and not allowing them to stay open for such long hours. (17) The utilisation of these cafes for teaching illiterates reading and writing; assisting towards this end, the rising generation of elementary school teachers and students. (18) To resist harmful customs, whether economic, moral, or anything else; turning the tide of the masses away from such practices, and orienting them to that which is beneficial, or educating them in a way which conforms with their best interests. This involves such customs as weddings, funerals, birthdays, the zar (a meeting of supernatural-believers), civil and religious holidays, etc. Let the government set a good example in this respect. (19) Due consideration for the claims of the moral censorship, and punishment of all who are proved to have infringed any Islamic doctrine or attacked it, such as breaking the fast of Ramadan, wilful neglect of prayers, Insulting the faith, and similar such matters. (20) Merging the elementary village schools with the mosque, and a thoroughgoing reform of both, as regards employees, cleanliness, and overall custodial care, so that the young may be trained in prayer and the older generation in learning. (21) To appoint religious education as a basic subject in all schools as well as in the universities, each according to its type. (22) To encourage the memorisation of the Qur'an in all the free elementary schools: making this memorisation mandatory for obtaining diplomas in the areas of religion and language; The memorisation of at least a part of the Qur’an should be a must in all schools. (23) The establishment of a firm educational policy which will enhance and raise the level of education, which will unify its goals and purposes; bringing the different cultures represented in the nation closer together, and making the first stage of its process dedicated to instilling a virtuous, patriotic spirit and an unwavering moral code. (24) To pay attention to the Arabic language at every stage of education; and the use of Arabic alone, as opposed to any foreign language, in the primary stages. (25) Emphasis on the Islamic, national and cultural history, as well as that of the Islamic civilisation. (26) A consideration into the means of gradually forming a national uniform (27) An end to the foreign spirit in our homes with regard to language, manners, dress, governesses, nurses, etc; All this should be corrected especially in upper class homes. (28) To give journalism a proper direction, and to encourage authors and writers to undertake Islamic subjects (29) Attention to be given to matters of public health by spreading health information through various means; more so via hospitals, doctors, and mobile clinics and facilitating the means of obtaining medical treatment. (30) Attention to be given to problems of villages, regarding their organisation, their cleanliness, the purification of their water supply, and the means to provide them with culture, recreation, and training. The Economical Goals (1) The organisation of zakah in terms of income and expenditure, according to the teachings of the Sacred Law; using it to carry out necessary benevolent projects, such as homes for the aged, the poor, and orphans, and strengthening the armed forces. (2) The prohibition of usury, and the organisation of banks with this end in view. The government should be an example in this domain by relinquishing all interest due on its own particular undertakings, for instance in the loan granting banks, industrial loans, etc. (3) To encourage (the development and number of) economic projects; providing jobs for the unemployed; the transfer of those in the hands of foreigners to the purely national sector. (4) To protect the masses from the oppression of multinational companies, keeping these within strict limits, and obtaining every possible benefit for the masses (5) Improving the situation of junior civil servants by raising their salaries, granting them steady increases and compensations, and by lowering the salaries of senior civil servants. (6) To reduce the number of government posts, retaining only the indispensable ones; and an equitable and scrupulous distribution of the work among civil servants. (7) To encourage agricultural and industrial counselling; giving importance to the production level of the peasant and industrial worker. (8) To be concerned about the technical and social problems of the worker; raising his standard of living in numerous respects. (9) The exploitation of natural resources, such as uncultivated land, neglected mines, etc. (10) Priority over luxury items to be given to necessary projects in terms of organisation and execution This is the message of the Muslim Brotherhood. We submit it, and place ourselves, our talents, and all we possess in the hands of any committee or government desirous of taking a step forward, hand in hand with an Islamic nation, toward progress and advancement We will answer the call, and we are prepared to sacrifice ourselves. We hope that by so doing we will have fulfilled our trust and said our piece, for religion means sincerity toward Allah, His Apostle, His Book, the Imams of the Muslims, and their community at large. Allah is our sufficiency; He is enough; and peace to His chosen worshippers!
EGYPT
by Rachel Hale, Sarem Rashid, and Niharika KareddyClick here to listen to some Arabic rap music!
Throughout the time of the Earth, Egypt has proven to play an important part in the shaping of our history. Containing a rich culture, unique people, and the great pyramids, Egypt is the largest country in the Arab world. Today, it plays a main role in Middle Eastern politics and has one of the biggest economies in the Middle East right after Saudi Arabia. The recent revolutions, however, have created a center for news and current events about the government and people. By producing some of the world's best cotton, tourist destinations, and advances in math, science, and our knowledge of history, the country has opened the eyes of people across the globe. Even through its troubled times, it's extensive and amazing history has created, today, the great country of Egypt.
Video:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16730534
Around one year ago, revolutions broke out in Egypt against President Mubarak. After getting re-elected a numerous amount of times, the people started to get angry, thinking that these elections were rigged and they were not happy. Mubarak also had created bans on many items, such as cellphones and internet, and changed many of the citizens rights for both women and men. As a result, the people of Egypt had decided to revolt against the president, and after a few months of protesting the Egyptians were successful and had overthrown Mubarak. In January of 2012, the people were celebrating in Tahrir Square, the main spot for the protesters, about the changes they brought and also how there is room for more change.
Article 1:
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2105621,00.html
This article focused on the revolution, one year after it took place, and showing the results and perspectives of the people. The public was generally split between people who believed that the revolution needed to be reinvigorated and people who are celebrating the revolution, one year after the eruption for democracy. The people who wanted to revisit the revolution thought that the true potential of change was not reached and that more reforms for the common people could be made. They also believed that the idea of the regime still in tact and needed to be removed even after the removal of President Mubarak. After a year of peace and some "change", the military is now trying to assert its power on the people and has claimed itself to be the paramount power in Egypt as it helped the people during their time of need to remove Mubarak from power. People against the idea of power to the military say that about 12000 people were detained by the military and during Mubarak's 30 year regime. Anti-military activists use the fact that not a single Egyptian senior officer has been charged for such heinous crimes against society. Mubarak has neither been imprisoned or charged because of the fact that people who were appointed by him still remain in power. But signs of hope are evident in the country since many major changes have brought freedom to society and the average man.
Article 2:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16277206 (December 20th, 2011)
The article above focuses on the economic struggle that Egypt is facing. Due to the recent revolutions, the tourism throughout Egypt has gone down quite a bit. Along with that, their cotton industry is heading towards a potentially problematic state. One of their biggest cotton companies, the "Cotton Cairo Company", hasn't been using Egyptian cotton, instead they have been importing the cotton from India. The land redistribution for the farmers has also left them with smaller land shares and less cotton to sell. However, the cotton and revolutions are not the only cause for this problem. The government plays a large role in the economy, for after promised reforms were not made and the owners of the companies are allowed to have workers that are often not paid and treated horribly. These events all add up to the chaotic state of government and are causing this economic problem.
20th Century Problems:
During the 20th century women's rights were shown to be a very large issue. Women began to realize their lack of rights in the late 19th century, and in the early 20th century it started to appear as a problem. By the mid 1900's, feminism began to become a strong political movement. In the beginning of the 20th century, some women were allowed to study subjects they wished while others were even allowed to speak at educational lectures. However, in the 1950's after a revolution, the feminism activis
ts were silenced when the government began to focus on other things. In the 1970's the movement started to pick up again and become an even bigger force than before. There were many women who had published books to better help other women better their every day lives. A pamphlet called, "Legal Rights of the Egyptian Woman: Theory and Practice" was published in 1988 by a woman's activist group, and explained the different rights that women should have and how to achieve their goals of getting them. By the end of the 20th century, these activists have created jobs, schools, and a more equal society in Egypt. Their fight to create a totally equal life still continues today in the 21st century and is a major problem for the Egyptians that has yet to be solved.
21st Century Problems:
The problems of the 21st century circled around the government and social problems. In 2005, the first outbreaks of pro-reform and opposition activists initiate anti-government demonstrations. Also, a referendum vote allowed multiple people to stand in presidential elections. Although this amendment did come into play, President Mubarak was elected for a fifth consecutive term in September 2005. In December, problems between police and supporters of the Muslim brotherhood emerge. The National Democratic Party regain their majority in the house and the Muslim Brotherhood hold only 20% of the seats which created major divides in the country itself (Many deaths due to police break ups at protests). In 2006, Mubarak promised reforms in his address but his opposition remained skeptical over these sudden promises for change. Also in 2008, Military c
Important People:
King Farouk I:
Hassan Al-Banna:
Muslim Brotherhood:
Hosni Mubarak:
Timeline:
Summary
1914 - Egypt becomes a British protectorate ( In 1922, Egyptian independence is recognized by UK)
1948 - 1949 - Arab leagues attack the new state of Israel and Egypt gains control of Gaza Strip.
1952 - Egypt is declared a republic.
1956 - The Suez Canal Company nationalized by Nasir; Israel, Britain and France attack the Sinai/ Suez Canal region.
1962 - Egyptian forces confront Saudi Arabia for the first time in order to get to Yemen to assist republican forces.
1967 - Nasir closed straits to Israeli shipping; Suez Canal closed off (reopened in 1975).
1970 - Nasir dies; Anwar Sadat becomes president (orders the removal of Soviet military advisers and visited Jerusalem in order to sign a peace treaty )
1981 - Sadat assassinated; Mubarak was the successor.
1982 - Sinai Peninsula back under Egyptian control.
2000 - Egypt signed a billion dollar project with Lebanon and Syria.
2004 - Major bomb attacks.
2005 - Mubarak reelected for 5th consecutive term as president.
2006 - New nuclear programs and weapons were built in Egypt like other developing Arab countries.
2008 - 2009 - Internal issues within the country call for no unification eventually leading up to the revolution.
2009 - People were arrested for having links with Al-Qaeda.
2010 - START OF THE REVOLUTION WITH THE ANTI-MUBARAK PROTESTING.
2011 - Mubarak steps down and Egypt celebrates.
Primary Source:
Below is a translation of the letter Towards The Light written by Hassan Al-Banna of the Muslim Brotherhood to King Farouk. In this excerpt of his letter, Al-Banna shares his solutions to reviving the Shari'ah in Egypt and restoring the country to its former, utopian state:
Your Excellency,
Having given a clear presentation of the spiritual sentiments that should prevail within the nation in its modern renaissance, we would like to point out, by way of conclusion, some of the practical manifestations and results which these sentiments should dictate. We are going to mention here only the broadest topics, since we are well aware that each one of these questions requires extensive, broad and detailed study, taxing the energies and capacities of even specialists. We know too that we have not yet fully analysed all the requirements and demands of the nation, nor all the manifestations of the renaissance. We do not believe that to fulfil these demands will be a simple matter which can be accomplished overnight, and we know there are manifold obstacles before us which will require vast patience, great wisdom, and a long running determination. We know all this and can take it in our stride. Besides this, we know that where there is genuine resolve, the way will be made plain, and that if a strong willed nation chooses the path of virtue, it shall, by the will of Allah Almighty, attain what it desires. Stride forward, and God will be with you !
Following, are the principal goals of reform founded on the spirit of genuine Islam:
Political, judicial and administrative goals
(1) An end to party rivalry, and directing the political forces of the nation into a unified front.
(2) Amending the law, such that it conforms to all branches of Islamic legislation.
(3) Reinforcing the armed forces, and increasing the number of youth groups; igniting in them the spirit of Islamic jihad.
(4) Strengthening the ties between all the Islamic countries, especially the Arab countries, to pave the way for a practical and serious consideration concerning the departed Caliphate.
(5) Spreading the Islamic spirit throughout all departments of the government, so that all its employees will feel responsible for adhering to Islamic teachings.
(6) Keeping a close eye on the personal conduct of all its employees, there should not be any dichotomy between ones private and professional life.
(7) Setting the hours of work in summer and winter ahead, so that it will be easy to fulfil religious duties, and bring an end to late hours.
(8) An end to bribery and nepotism, promotion should only be given to those who have the capability and have a legitimate claim.
(9) Weighing all governmental acts in view of Islamic rules and teachings, National holidays, receptions, official conferences, prisons and hospitals should all be compatible with the Islamic teachings; hours of work should be arranged such that they do not conflict with the Salah times.
(10) The employment of graduates of Al-Azhar in military and administrative positions, and their training.
Social and educational goals
(1) Conditioning the people to respect public morality, and issuing law bound directives on this matter; the imposition of sever penalties for moral offences.
(2) To deal with the ‘woman issue’ - In a way which will both elevate her position and provide her protection, in accordance with the Islamic teachings. So that this issue (socially the most important) is not left at the mercy of the biased pens and unorthodox notions of those who are either deficient or excessive.(in their opinions)
(3) An end to prostitution, both clandestine and overt: and to recognise fornication as a crime, whatever the circumstances, a detestable crime whose perpetrator must be flogged.
(4) An end to gambling in all its forms: games, lotteries, racing, and casinos.
(5) A campaign against drinking, similar to the one against drugs: its prohibition, and the salvation of the nation from its effects.
(6) A campaign against ostentation in dress and loose behaviour; the instruction of women in what is proper, with particular strictness as regards female teachers, pupils, physicians, and students, and all those in similar categories.
(7) A review of the curricula offered to girls and the necessity of making them distinct from the boys' curricula in many of the stages of education.
(8) The prohibition of Free Mixing between male and female students; and to consider privacy between a non-Mahram (marriageable) male and female a punishable crime.
(9) The encouragement of marriage and procreation, by all possible means; promulgation of legislation to protect and give moral support to the family, and solve the problems of marriage.
(10) The closure of morally undesirable ballrooms and dance halls, and the prohibition of dancing and other such pastimes.
(11) The inspection of theatres and cinemas, and a rigorous selection of playscripts and film rolls.
(12) The censorship of songs, and a rigorous selection and inspection of them.
(13) The careful selection of lectures, songs, and subjects to be broadcast to the nation; the use of radio broadcasting for the education of the nation in a virtuous and moral way.
(14) The confiscation of provocative stories and books that implant the seeds of scepticism in an insidious manner, and newspapers which strive to disseminate immorality and capitalise indecently on lustful desires.
(15) The supervision of summer vacation areas which will bring an end to the wholesale confusion and promiscuity which nullify the soul purpose of going on holiday.
(16) Restricting the business hours of cafes; supervising the activities of their owners; instructing them as to what is in the best interest of the public; and not allowing them to stay open for such long hours.
(17) The utilisation of these cafes for teaching illiterates reading and writing; assisting towards this end, the rising generation of elementary school teachers and students.
(18) To resist harmful customs, whether economic, moral, or anything else; turning the tide of the masses away from such practices, and orienting them to that which is beneficial, or educating them in a way which conforms with their best interests. This involves such customs as weddings, funerals, birthdays, the zar (a meeting of supernatural-believers), civil and religious holidays, etc. Let the government set a good example in this respect.
(19) Due consideration for the claims of the moral censorship, and punishment of all who are proved to have infringed any Islamic doctrine or attacked it, such as breaking the fast of Ramadan, wilful neglect of prayers, Insulting the faith, and similar such matters.
(20) Merging the elementary village schools with the mosque, and a thoroughgoing reform of both, as regards employees, cleanliness, and overall custodial care, so that the young may be trained in prayer and the older generation in learning.
(21) To appoint religious education as a basic subject in all schools as well as in the universities, each according to its type.
(22) To encourage the memorisation of the Qur'an in all the free elementary schools: making this memorisation mandatory for obtaining diplomas in the areas of religion and language; The memorisation of at least a part of the Qur’an should be a must in all schools.
(23) The establishment of a firm educational policy which will enhance and raise the level of education, which will unify its goals and purposes; bringing the different cultures represented in the nation closer together, and making the first stage of its process dedicated to instilling a virtuous, patriotic spirit and an unwavering moral code.
(24) To pay attention to the Arabic language at every stage of education; and the use of Arabic alone, as opposed to any foreign language, in the primary stages.
(25) Emphasis on the Islamic, national and cultural history, as well as that of the Islamic civilisation.
(26) A consideration into the means of gradually forming a national uniform
(27) An end to the foreign spirit in our homes with regard to language, manners, dress, governesses, nurses, etc; All this should be corrected especially in upper class homes.
(28) To give journalism a proper direction, and to encourage authors and writers to undertake Islamic subjects
(29) Attention to be given to matters of public health by spreading health information through various means; more so via hospitals, doctors, and mobile clinics and facilitating the means of obtaining medical treatment.
(30) Attention to be given to problems of villages, regarding their organisation, their cleanliness, the purification of their water supply, and the means to provide them with culture, recreation, and training.
The Economical Goals
(1) The organisation of zakah in terms of income and expenditure, according to the teachings of the Sacred Law; using it to carry out necessary benevolent projects, such as homes for the aged, the poor, and orphans, and strengthening the armed forces.
(2) The prohibition of usury, and the organisation of banks with this end in view. The government should be an example in this domain by relinquishing all interest due on its own particular undertakings, for instance in the loan granting banks, industrial loans, etc.
(3) To encourage (the development and number of) economic projects; providing jobs for the unemployed; the transfer of those in the hands of foreigners to the purely national sector.
(4) To protect the masses from the oppression of multinational companies, keeping these within strict limits, and obtaining every possible benefit for the masses
(5) Improving the situation of junior civil servants by raising their salaries, granting them steady increases and compensations, and by lowering the salaries of senior civil servants.
(6) To reduce the number of government posts, retaining only the indispensable ones; and an equitable and scrupulous distribution of the work among civil servants.
(7) To encourage agricultural and industrial counselling; giving importance to the production level of the peasant and industrial worker.
(8) To be concerned about the technical and social problems of the worker; raising his standard of living in numerous respects.
(9) The exploitation of natural resources, such as uncultivated land, neglected mines, etc.
(10) Priority over luxury items to be given to necessary projects in terms of organisation and execution
This is the message of the Muslim Brotherhood. We submit it, and place ourselves, our talents, and all we possess in the hands of any committee or government desirous of taking a step forward, hand in hand with an Islamic nation, toward progress and advancement We will answer the call, and we are prepared to sacrifice ourselves. We hope that by so doing we will have fulfilled our trust and said our piece, for religion means sincerity toward Allah, His Apostle, His Book, the Imams of the Muslims, and their community at large. Allah is our sufficiency; He is enough; and peace to His chosen worshippers!
Extracted from:
http://web.youngmuslims.ca/online_library/books/towards_the_light/index.htm